Information on the Nu Skool Breaks genre

Nu skool breaks (often abbreviated to nuskool or breaks) is a term used to describe a sub-genre of breakbeat. The sub-genre is usually characterized by its darker and heavier bass lines that are normally dominant throughout the track. Typically, tracks range between 125 to 140 bpm.

Origins

The term is widely attributed to Rennie Pilgrem and Adam Freeland, who used it to describe the sound at their night Friction, which was launched at Bar Rumba in 1996, with promoter Ian Williams. In 1998, the label was used on two compilations, Nu Skool Breaks, Volume 1 and 2, compiled with Danny McMillan and released through UK based Kickin Records. The first volume of these was recorded live at the aforementioned London club night Friction.


Artists

Recognised nu skool producers include Plump DJs, NAPT, Überzone, Freq Nasty, Ils, Stanton Warriors, Aquasky and Hybrid. The major producers have remixed and/or produced tracks for acts such as Orbital, Fatboy Slim, 'N Sync, Kelis and New Order. Much of the music of The Prodigy, especially their more recent work, can be classified as Nu Skool Breaks.

In the UK the scene is currently dominated by the Stanton Warriors, Plump DJs and NAPT. Up coming noteworthy acts include B.S.D, Beat Assassins, Plaza De Funk and Far Too Loud. In the USA, known for its more acid-based breaks sound, the sound has gained popularity, especially on the West Coast. North American artists include Pillform, Keith Mackenzie and Überzone. Australia also has a burgeoning scene with popular artists including Kid Kenobi and Dopamine.


Tear-out / hardcore breaks

Tearout breaks emerged with the birth of Hardcore Beats Records - the sound, while following the intricate drum programming of nuskool, featured more of the aggression of modern drum and bass instrumentation, sometimes applying hoover and reese basslines. In their song "Stereo:Typical", Ctrl-Z and Screwface claim to be "pioneers of the tear-out sound"; other notable artists include Antiform, The Autobots and Dual Calibre.